Entertainment, Retail Coming to Gilbert

Both sites are currently used as parking lots, but Gilbert economic development director Dan Henderson said the areas were always intended for future development. Photo credit: Jessica Boehm/The Arizona Republic

By Jessica Boehm for The Arizona Republic

Gilbert’s booming downtown Heritage District is proving it’s more than just a foodies’ paradise by bringing in new options for shopping, live entertainment and more.

The town awarded two new projects to local development company MD Heritage this month.

The first will bring a 12KSF venue north of Hale Centre Theatre that could feature a restaurant, brewery, live entertainment and a “new-age local bowling alley,” according to the proposal.

The company also plans to construct an urban market reminiscent of the Union at the Biltmore Fashion Park in the space between Oregano’s Pizza Bistro and Snooze Eatery on Gilbert Road.

The proposal calls for a “specially selected group of local and accomplished vendors.”

Sellers said tenants have not yet been selected for the venues, but he has already seen interest in the entertainment space from multiple companies.

Gilbert’s economic development director, Dan Henderson, said the projects will bring “much-needed” retail to the area.

Both sites are currently used as parking lots, but Henderson said the areas were always intended for future development. The RFP did not specify whether Gilbert will sell or lease the land to MD Heritage, which leaves room for the town to negotiate, he said.